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{{Infobox Minor League Baseball
#REDIRECT [[Sanford Greyhounds]]
| name =Sanford Celeryfeds
| firstseason =1919
| lastseason =1946
| allyears =1919–1920, 1925–1928, 1936–1941, 1946–1947
| city =Sanford, Florida
| logo =
| uniformlogo =
| class level =[[Class D (baseball)|Class D]] (1919–1920, 1925–1928, 1936–1941, 1946–1947)
| league =[[Florida State League]] (1919–1920, 1925–1928, 1936–1941, 1946–1947)
| majorleague =[[Washington Senators (1901–60)|Washington Senators]] (1936–1939)
| nickname ='''Sanford Celeryfeds''' (1919–1920, 1925–1928)<br />Sanford Lookouts (1936–1939)<br />Sanford Seminoles (1940–1941)<br />'''Sanford Celeryfeds''' (1946)<br />Sanford Seminoles (1947)
| ballpark =Memorial Stadium (1919–1920, 1925–1928, 1936–1941, 1946–1947)
| classnum =
| classchamps =
| leaguenum =3
| leaguechamps ={{hlist|1919|1926|1939}}
| confnum =2
| conferencechamps ={{hlist|1919|1926}}
| divnum =
| divisionchamps =
| wildcardnum =3
| wildcardberths ={{hlist|1937|1940|1946}}
}}<!-- Infobox ends -->
'''Sanford Celeryfeds''' were a [[minor league baseball]] team that played between 1919 and 1946. The "Celeryfeds" were a charter member of the Class D [[Florida State League]] and Sandford continued play in the league exclusively, winning league championships in 1919, 1926 and 1939. From 1936 to 1939, the Sanford "Lookouts" played as a minor league affiliate of the [[Washington Senators (1901–60)|Washington Senators]]. With Sanford located within [[Seminole County, Florida]], the team was also known as the corresponding Sanford "Seminoles" for three seasons. The "Celeryfeds" nickname was corresponds with the local celery agriculture industry in the era.

In the era, Sanford teams hosted home Florida State League games at Memorial Stadium. The ballpark is still in use today, known as "Historic Sanford Memorial Stadium."

At the age of 17, [[Baseball Hall of Fame]] member [[Early Wynn]] played for the 1937 Sanford Lookouts in his first professional season.

The 1939 Sanford Lookouts team was listed as one of the [[The National Baseball Association's top 100 minor league teams|100 greatest minor league teams of all time]].

The 1948 [[Sanford Giants]] continued Sanford's tenure as members of the Florida State League. The nickname change occurred after the [[New York Giants (baseball)|New York Giants]] moved their [[spring training]] site to Sanford and the local franchise became a minor league affiliate of the Giants.

==History==
===1919 & 1920: Celeryfeds begin minor league play / champions===
The Sanford Base Ball Association hosted baseball games as early as 1908.<ref>https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/items/show/439</ref>

Minor league baseball began in Sanford, Florida in 1919, when the Sanford "Celeryfeds" became a charter member of the six team Class D level [[Florida State League]].<ref name="encyc">{{cite book |title=The Encyclopedia of Minor League Baseball |editor-first1=Lloyd |editor-last1=Johnson |editor-first2=Miles |editor-last2=Wolff |edition=Third |publisher=[[Baseball America]] |date=2007 |isbn=978-1932391176}}</ref><ref>https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/sports/2021/07/23/fsls-beginning-there-were-6-teams-daytona-baseball-history-sanford-celeryfeds-tortugas-islanders/8029347002/</ref> Sanford joined the [[Bartow Polkers]], [[Bradenton Growers]], [[Lakeland Highlanders]], [[Orlando Caps]] and [[Tampa Smokers]] as charter members.<ref>https://aws.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=30f92537</ref>
[[File:Celery Growing, Sanford, FL.jpg|thumb|(1912) Postcard, Celery Growing. Sanford, Forida.]]
The Sanford "Celeryfeds", in corresponds with agriculture in the region in the era. [[celery]] was the dominant crop.<ref>{{cite web|title=Citrus to Celery|publisher=Latitude 34 North|work=Historic Markers Across Florida|url=http://www.lat34north.com/HistoricMarkersFL/MarkerDetail.cfm?KeyID=59-13&MarkerTitle=Citrus%20to%20Celery|accessdate=2014-08-07}}</ref> <ref>{{cite web|title=Sanford, Florida Minor League Baseball|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/team.cgi?city=Sanford&state=FL&country=US|accessdate=2014-08-07}}</ref>

Playing the first Florida State League season in 1919, the Sanford Celeryfeds won the overall league pennant and had a controversial playoff series. In a split season schedule, Sanford won the first half pennant and Orlando won the second half pennant in the regular season. The Celeryfeds overall record of 47–28 was the best in the league, as the team played the season under manager [[Ed Chaplin]], who became a Sanford resident, passing away in the city at age 84 in 1978.<ref>https://retrosheet.org/boxesetc/C/Pchape102.htm</ref> In winning the league pennant Sanford finished the regular season 5.0 games ahead of Orlando in the overall standings. <ref>https://aws.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?id=7907e345</ref><ref>https://aws.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=30f92537</ref><ref name="encyc"/> The finals champion was to be the first team to win 5 games. In the playoff final, Sanford won 5 games and the Orlando Caps 3 games. On October 11, 1919, 2 of the Sanford wins were disallowed due to ineligible player violations. The series was declared 3 games to 3 tie and the teams were declared co-champions.<ref name="encyc"/><ref>https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/sports/2021/07/23/fsls-beginning-there-were-6-teams-daytona-baseball-history-sanford-celeryfeds-tortugas-islanders/8029347002/</ref> [[Stuffy Stewart]] of Sanford led the Florida State League with 63 runs scored.<ref name="encyc"/>

The 1920 Florida State League expanded to eight teams and the Celeryfeds continued league play, finishing near the bottom of the standings of the Class D level league.<ref>https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=962c9382</ref> The [[Bartow Polkers]], [[Bradenton Growers]], [[Daytona Beach Islanders]] and [[Orlando Caps]] joined the four returning teams in beginning the league schedule on May 1, 1920.<ref>https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/l-FLOR/y-1920</ref> The defending co-champion Celeryfeds ended the 1920 with a final record of 45–68. Sanford finished in seventh place, playing the season under manager [[Jack Burns (second baseman)|Jack Burns]] and ended the regular season 42.0 games behind the first place Tampa Smokers. Playoffs were not held, as Tampa won both half seasons of the league schedule.<ref>https://aws.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?id=e74ffca9</ref><ref name="encyc"/> The Florida State League did not return to play in 1921 and remained defunct for the next three seasons before reforming in 1925.<ref name="encyc"/>
===1925 to 1928: Florida State League reforms===
Sanford returned to the four-team Class D level Florida State League.in 1925.<ref>https://aws.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?id=56d90a8d</ref> The Lakeland Highlanders, [[St. Petersburg Saints]] and Tampa Smokers teams joined with Sanford in beginning league play on April 13, 1925.<ref>https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/l-FLOR/y-1925</ref>

The Sanford Celeryfeds ended the 1925 Florida State League season in last place.<ref>https://aws.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?id=56d90a8d</ref> Sanford had final record of 36–87 and finished in fourth place. Playing the season under managers [[Nick Carter (baseball)|Nick Carter]] and Jim Moore, Sanford finished 35.0 games behind first place Tampa in the overall standings. Lakeland won the first half of the split season schedule and Tampa won the second half. Tampa won the playoff series to claim the championship.<ref>https://aws.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=2101e530</ref><ref name="encyc"/>

In the midst of their last place finish in the Florida State League, the Sanford franchise was nearly sold and relocated during the 1925 season. On July 10, 1925, businessman John Wall Hendry publicly announced that he had purchased the [[Sanford Celeryfeds]] and intended to move the team to [[Fort Myers, Florida]].<ref>"League Club for Fort Myers", ''Fort Myers Tropical News,'' (Fort Myers, FL), July 10, 1925, https://newspapers.uflib.ufl.edu/AA00088916/00091/images</ref> However, the next day, Charley Britt, owner of the Sanford Celeryfeds, cancelled the verbal agreement to sell the team after $5,000 was raised to keep the team in Sanford.<ref>Hendry to Fight to get Baseball for Fort Myers", ''Fort Myers Tropical News'', (Fort Myers, FL), July 12, 1925, https://newspapers.uflib.ufl.edu/AA00088916/00093/images/0</ref> Moving on from the Sanford purchase, Hendry next offered to purchase the [[Lakeland Highlanders]], for $7,000, but an agreement with Clare Henley, president of the [[Lakeland, Florida|Lakeland]] franchise never materialized.<ref>"John Hendry Loses Another Chance to Get League Team", ''Fort Myers Tropical News,'' (Fort Myers, FL), August 2, 1925, https://newspapers.uflib.ufl.edu/AA00088916/00111/images/0</ref> Eventually, Hendry was successful in getting an expansion team in the Fort Myers for the 1926 Florida State League season, when the [[Fort Myers Palms]] joined the league.<ref>Maginnis, Bob, "Florida State League Increased to Eight-Club Circuit", ''Tampa Morning Tribune,'' (Tampa, FL), March 4, 1926, P. 2-C.</ref><ref>"Fort Myers Ball Team to Play Next Week", ''Fort Myers Tropical News,'' (Fort Myers, FL), April 2, 1926, https://newspapers.uflib.ufl.edu/AA00088916/00183/images/6</ref>

The Stanford Celeryfeds continued Florida State League play in 1926 and were league champions of the expanded eight-team league.<ref>https://aws.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?id=d5d4cf96</ref> The Celeryfeds had a record of 70–35 and ended the season in the overall first place, winning the championship under manager Lee Crowe. the Celeryfeds finished 3.5 games ahead of second place Tampa. No playoffs were held as Sanford won both halves of the season schedule.<ref>https://aws.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=e92cc509</ref><ref name="encyc"/> Sanford's Otto Dumas won the Florida State League batting championship, hitting 361, while also hitting a co-league leading 4 home runs. Teammate Ralph Dunbar scored a league leading 95 runs. Pitcher [[Ben Cantwell]] of Sanford won 24 games (with just 4 losses) to lead the Florida State League.<ref name="encyc"/> Cantwell had a ten-year major-league career. While pitching for Sanford he met LeClaire Jones, whom he married in March 1927. After winning 25 games for the 1927 [[Jacksonville Tars]] of the Class B level [[Southeastern League]], Cantwell made his major league debut with the New York Giants on August 19, 1927.<ref>https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/ben-cantwell/</ref>

Following the 1926 season, Sanford hosted the Florida State League winter meetings and franchise movements took place. On January 18, 1927, at the winter meeting, the Fort Myers franchise was voted to have been "forfeited."<ref>Tribune News Service, "Shake-Up Looms in State League Ranks", ''Tamps Morning Tribune,'' (Tampa, FL), January 19, 1927, P. 14.</ref> The franchise was dissolved for "failing to meet league assessments and for failing to pay players."<ref>"Miami and West Palm Beach Seek State League Places", ''Fort Myers Tropical News,'' (Fort Myers, FL), January 19, 1927, P. 3.</ref> Later, the [[Miami Hustlers]] joined the Florida State League after by W. B. Kirby, the former president of the [[Bradenton Growers]] turned the Bradenton franchise over to Miami as part of his investment in the Miami franchise.<ref>"Fifty Players Seeking Berths in Miami Team", ''Miami Daily News and Metropolis,'' (Miami, FL), April 13, 1927, P. A-14.</ref>

In defending their championship the previous season, the 1927 Sanford Celeryfeds finished in second place in the overall standings but did not qualify for the playoffs.<ref>https://aws.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?id=36d6b32f</ref> The Celeryfeds ended the season with an overall record of 68–53, finishing 2.5 games behind first place Orlando as Lee Crowe returned as manager. The [[Orlando Colts]] won the first half of the season schedule and the [[Miami Hustlers]] won the second half, as Orlando took the championship series.<ref>https://aws.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=0d3e01af</ref><ref name="encyc"/> Cecil Frisbie of Sanford led the Florida State League with both 78 runs and 145 hits. Celeryfeds' pitcher Herman Myers had a 13-4 record to top the league in winning percentage.<ref name="encyc"/>

Following the 1927 season, Sanford manager left the team to become the manager of the newly formed Miami Hustlers for the 1928 season.<ref>https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/roster/t-mh12974/y-1928</ref>

The 1928 six-team Class D level Florida State League had a shortened season with Sanford continuing play.<ref>https://aws.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?id=864a0b79</ref><ref>https://aws.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=3bf9cef7</ref> The Florida State League folded on July 4, 1928. The Celeryfeds had compiled a of 25–33 and were in fifth place when the league folded. Sanford finished 12.0 games behind first place St. Petersburg Saints.<ref name="encyc"/> Sanford was managed by Pop Wallace.<ref>https://aws.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=3bf9cef7</ref><ref name="encyc"/> The Florida State league did not play in the 1929 season and had a seven-season hiatus during [[The Great Depression]] before reforming in 1936.<ref name="encyc"/>

===1936 to 1939 Sanford Lookouts championship===
In 1936, the Sanford Lookouts rejoined the six-team reformed Florida State League.<ref name="encyc"/><ref>https://aws.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?id=4d6fb127</ref> The [[Daytona Beach Islanders]], [[DeLand Reds]], [[Gainesville G-Men]], [[Palatka Azaleas]] and [[St. Augustine Saints]] teams joined Sanford in beginning league play in the Class D level league.<ref>https://aws.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=d83325c1</ref>

Playing as a minor league affiliate of the [[Washington Senators (1901–60)|Washington Senators]], Sanford ended the 1936 Florida State League regular season in fifth place.<ref>https://aws.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?id=4d6fb127</ref> The Lookouts finished with a record of 56–62, managed by Stuffy McCrone (18–30) and [[Bill Rodgers (infielder)|Bill Rodgers]] (38–32). Rogers managed the Lookouts in the first of his four consecutive seasons.<ref>https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/bill-rodgers-2/</ref> Sanford ended the Florida State League regular season 8.0 games behind the first place Gainesville G-Men in the final standings. Sanford did not qualify for the four0team playoffs, which were won by the St. Augustine Saints.<ref>https://aws.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=d83325c1</ref><ref name="encyc"/>

Bill Rodgers would manage Sanford in each of the next three seasons. Following his major league playing career Rodgers served also was a player/manager in the minor leagues during 22 seasons between 1918 and 1951.<ref>https://www.baseball-reference.com/r/rodgebi01.shtml</ref><ref>http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/R/Prodgb103.htm</ref> Rodgers also managed the [[Peoria Redwings]] of the newly formed [[All-American Girls Professional Baseball League]] during the 1946 season.<ref>https://aagpbl.org/teams/peoria-redwings/1946</ref> Rodgers had the nickname "Rawmeat Bill," as he faithfully followed a diet that included eating uncooked meat.<ref>https://www.aagpbl.org/profiles/wilbur-rodgers-bill/758</ref><ref>https://psmag.com/social-justice/rawmeat-bill-young-lurch-and-the-nicknames-we-remember</ref>

The Lookouts placed second in the 1937 Florida State League and advanced to the playoff finals, as the league expanded to become an eight-team league. The Lookouts ended the regular seasons with a record of 79–60 under returning manager Bill Rodgers (30–12), Lee Head (21–26) and the returning Rodgers (28–22).<ref>https://aws.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?id=5d8c6110</ref> Manager Bill Rodgers left the team for a period and managed at both Charlotte and Chattanooga before returning to Sanford.<ref>https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/bill-rodgers-2/</ref> Sanford ended the regular season 6.5 games behind the first place Gainesville G-Men in the final standings. Sanford qualified for the playoffs and won their first round series 3 games to 2, defeating the DeLand Reds. The Lookouts lost in the finals 4 games to 2 to the Gainesville G-Men.<ref>https://aws.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=597248da</ref><ref name="encyc"/> [[Ellis Clary]] of Sanford led the Florida State League with 122 runs scored.<ref name="encyc"/>

[[File:Early Wynn 1953.jpg|thumb|left|(1953) Baseball Hall of Fame member Early Wynn, Cleveland. At age 17, Wynn pitched for Sanford in 1937.]]

At age 17, future [[Baseball Hall of Fame]] member [[Early Wynn]] played as a member 1937 Sanford Lookouts in his first professional season.<ref>https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wynnea01.shtml</ref> In the spring of 1937, Wynn traveled from his home in [[Hartford, Alabama]] to Sanford, Florida, to attend a baseball camp operated by the Washington Senators. It was said that the 6'0" 200-pound Wynn arrived at the camp wearing coveralls. [[Clyde Milan]], a Washington scout, saw Wynn’s fastball and signed immediately him to a contract. Wynn subsequently dropped out of high school and began his professional career in 1937 with Sanford.<ref>https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=wynn--001ear</ref><ref>https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/early-wynn/</ref> He compiled a record of 16–11 with a 3.41 ERA pitching for Sanford in the 1937 season. Wynn would go on to win 300 games in the major leagues and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972.<ref>https://baseballhall.org/hall-of-famers/wynn-early</ref> He is also a member of the [[Florida State League Hall of Fame]].<ref>https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/early-wynn/</ref>

The 1938 Sanford Lookouts finished in last place in the final standings of the eight-team Class D level Florida State League.<ref>https://aws.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?id=4dcaf42a</ref> The Lookouts ended the regular season with a record of 53-87 and finished in eighth place under manager [[Guy Lacy]] and the returning [[Bill Rodgers (infielder)|Bill Rodgers]]. Sanford ended the regular season 34.5 games behind the first place [[Leesburg Gondoliers]]. With their last place finish Sanford did not qualify for the playoffs won by the Gainesville G-Men.<ref>https://aws.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=ba025c7b</ref><ref name="encyc"/>

In February 1939, 36-year-old [[Dale Alexander]], was hired to become the player-manager for the Sanford Lookouts in the Florida State League.<ref>{{cite news|title=Dale Alexander Manager|newspaper=The News-Herald|date=February 25, 1939|page=2|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4921466/dale_alexander_manager/|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> In 1932, while playing for the [[Boston Red Sox]], Alexander won the American League batting championship, hitting .367 and winning the title over Baseball Hall of Fame member [[Jimmie Foxx]] (.364) of the [[Philadelphia Athletics]].<ref>https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1932-standard-batting.shtml</ref> For his efforts in winning the batting title, Boston raised his salary from $10,500 to $11,000. In 1938, Alexander played for the [[Chattanooga Lookouts]] in the [[Southern Association]]. He was traded by Chattanooga to the [[Dallas Steers]] but refused to report to Dallas and temporarily retired before accepting the player-manager position with Sanford.<ref>https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/dale-alexander/</ref>

The Sanford Lookouts went from last place to a championship in winning the 1939 Florida State League title.<ref>https://aws.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?id=b7eb97c2</ref> Sanford ended the regular season with a record of 98–35, finishing in first place. Playing the season under player/manager Dale Alexander, the Lookouts finished 12.0 games ahead of the second place Daytona Beach Islanders in the regular season standings. In the four-team playoffs, Sanford defeated the DeLand Red Hats 3 games to 2 in the first round to advance. In the finals, Sanford then defeated Daytona Beach 4 games to 3 to win the 1939 Florida State League championship.<ref>https://aws.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=51cd16c3</ref><ref name="encyc"/> Player/manager Dale Alexander appeared in 98 games as a player and hit .345 with 80 RBIs and 14 stolen bases.<ref>https://aws.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?id=b7eb97c2</ref> Sanford pitcher [[Sid Hudson]] had a pitching triple crown in the Florida State League. Hudson won 24 games with 192 strikeouts and a 1.79 to lead the Florida State League in all three categories.<ref name="encyc"/>

The 1939 Sanford Lookouts were recognized in 2001 as one of the [[The National Baseball Association's top 100 minor league teams|100 greatest minor league teams of all time]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.milb.com/milb/history/top100.jsp |title=Top 100 Teams |publisher=MiLB.com |date=2001 |accessdate=May 9, 2017}}</ref>

Following his impressive season with Sanford in 1939, Sid Hudson became a two-time all-star pitcher in the major leagues. Following his playing career, he first became a scout. Then Hudson was hired to become the pitching coach of the Washington Senators, serving in that role from 1961 to 1971 with Washington. When the Senators team moved to become the [[Texas Rangers (baseball)|Texas Rangers]] in 1972, manager [[Ted Williams]] retained Hudson to serve as the team's pitching coach. Hudson remained with the Texas Rangers organization until his retirement 1986.<ref>https://sabr.org/journal/article/sid-hudson/</ref>

===1940 to 1947 War interrupted Florida State League seasons===
The Sanford franchise was renamed as the "Seminoles" and the team defended their championship in the 1940 Florida State League, advancing to the league finals. Washington did not carry over their affiliation and the Seminoles were unaffiliated with a major league franchise.<ref>https://aws.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?id=f1073dc0</ref> Sanford is the county seat of [[Seminole County, Florida]].<ref>https://www.seminolecountyfl.gov/</ref>

On Friday, August 20, 1940, Sanford hosted the Florida State League All-Star Game at Municipal Stadium. The game was scheduled to start at 8:00 P.M. and featured the Sanford Seminoles team facing the All-Star selections from teams throughout the league.<ref>https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/items/show/436</ref> A reserved seat for the contest was $0.50.<ref>https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/items/show/432</ref>

Sanford ended the 1940 eight-team Florida State Leage regular season in second place in the Class D level league.<ref>https://aws.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?id=f1073dc0</ref> The Seminoles finished with a record of 84–55, playing the season under manager Lynn Campbell. The Seminoles ended the season 2.0 games behind the pennant winning Daytona Beach Islanders. In the first round of the playoffs, Sanford defeated St. Augustine 3 games to 0 to advance. Sanford then lost in the league Finals being swept in 4 games by the [[Orlando Senators]].<ref>https://aws.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=ad5f1bdd</ref><ref name="encyc"/> Sanford's Ralph Hyder led the Florida State League with both 126 runs scored and 196 total hits.<ref name="encyc"/>

The Sanford Seminoles folded before the conclusion of the 1941 Florida State League season after the league began the season with eight teams.<ref>https://aws.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?id=a5445c9b</ref> The Seminoles disbanded on June 25, 1941, with a final record of 20–45, playing under managers [[Joe Justice]], Joe Whitlock and Charles Girk.<ref>https://aws.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=57d8466d</ref>
After the 1941 season, the Florida State League stopped play due to the onset of [[World War II]].<ref name="encyc"/>

In 1945, the football team at [[Seminole High School (Seminole County, Florida)|Seminole High School]] based in Sanford were known as the "Celery Feds" and the school's student newspaper at the time was ''The Celery Fed''.<ref>https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/items/show/1563</ref>
The Sanford "Celeryfeds" nickname returned, and the team resumed Florida State League play in 1946. Following the conclusion of World War II, the Florida State League reformed as an eight-team Class D level league.<ref>https://aws.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=f76b7f3a</ref><ref name="encyc"/> The [[Daytona Beach Islanders]], [[DeLand Red Hats]], [[Gainesville G-Men]], [[Leesburg Anglers]], [[Orlando Senators]], [[Palatka Azaleas]] and [[St. Augustine Saints]] teams joined Sanford in beginning league play on April 16, 1946.<ref>https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/l-FLOR/y-1946</ref>

In returning to play in the reformed league, Sanford ended the 1946 season in second place in the Florida State League regular season standings.<ref>https://aws.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?id=3aaef941</ref> The Celeryfeds had a final record of 81–57, playing under manager [[Ed Levy]] and finished 13.0 games behind the first place Orlando Senators in the final regular season standings. Qualifying for the playoffs, Sanford lost in the League finals. the Celeryfeds defeated the St. Augustine Saints in the first round of the playoffs 4 games to 3. Sanford then lost to Orlando in a 7-game series in the finals.<ref>https://aws.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=f76b7f3a</ref><ref name="encyc"/>

In 1947, the team became known again as the Sanford "Seminoles" continuing play as members of the Class D level Florida State League and ending the season in second place.<ref>https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/items/show/435</ref><ref>https://aws.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?id=8e75b99c</ref> In 1947, Sanford was represented by John Krider on the Florida State League board of Directors. Arthur Beckwith served as the Official Scorer for games at Sanford.<ref>https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/items/show/435</ref> The Seminoles ended the season with a record of 69–66, to finish in fifth place, playing the season under managers B.D. Lake (22–28), Don Murray (23–23) and John Krider (24–15). Sanford finished 15.5 games behind the first place St. Augustine Saints in the regular season standings and just 0.5 game behind the fourth place Orlando Senators for the final playoff spot. With their fifth-place finish, Sanford did not qualify for the four-team playoffs, won by the Gainesville G-Men over St. Augustine in the final.<ref>https://aws.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=bcae6387</ref><ref name="encyc"/>

===1947: New York Giants partnership with Sanford===

Beginning on October 7, 1947, the major league New York Giants had partnered with Sanford, Florida to develop a 10-field complex to host the Giants' [[Spring Training]] site. The ballfields were located between Mellonville Avenue and Summerlin Avenue, bordered by 26th Street and 28th Street. 30 acres were utilized along the south end of 28th street containing six of the ballfields.<ref>https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/35fc9b050fa97e7f03bc3854d4ad2844.jpg</ref> The New York Giants also became owners of the Mayfair Inn hotel and the Mayfair Country Club golf course in Sanford.<ref>https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/items/show/430</ref><ref>https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/items/show/489</ref> In 1934, local businessman William E. Kirchhoff leased the hotel site and the refurbished hotel reopened in 1935 at the Mayfair Hotel, after opening in 1916 known as the Forrest Lake Hotel. The Mayfair Inn developed a reputation as one of finest hotels in the region in the era. In 1948, William Kirchhoff sold the hotel to [[Horace Stoneham]], the owner of the New York Giants.<ref>https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/items/show/489</ref>

In 1948, the Sanford Florida State League franchise became a minor league affiliate of the [[New York Giants (baseball)|New York Giants]]. The renamed [[Sanford Giants]] then continued Sanford's tenure of membership the Florida State League.<ref name="encyc"/><ref>https://aws.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?id=4f2fe454</ref>

==The ballpark==
Sanford hosted home games at Memorial Stadium.<ref>https://www.statscrew.com/venues/v-2451</ref> The ballpark site also contained Sanford Athletic Field and the two ballparks were side by side.<ref>https://www.statscrew.com/venues/v-2451</ref> The ballpark is still in use today, known as "Historic Sanford Memorial Stadium." The ballpark is located at Mellonville Avenue & East 11th Street in Sanford, Florida.<ref>https://deadballbaseball.com/2020/05/sanford-field-historic-sanford-memorial-stadium-and-sanford-museum/</ref>

==Timeline==
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size: 95%;"
! Year(s) !! # Yrs. !! Team !! Level !! League!!Affiliate!!Ballpark
|-
| 1919–1920 || 2 ||rowspan=2|Sanford Celeryfeds|| rowspan=6|[[Class D (baseball)|Class D]] ||rowspan=6| [[Florida State League]] ||rowspan=2|None ||rowspan=6 | Memorial Stadium
|-
| 1925–1928 || 4
|-
| 1936–1939 || 4 || Sanford Lookouts || [[Washington Senators (1901–60)|Washington Senators]]
|-
| 1940–1941 || 2 || Sanford Seminoles || rowspan=4|None
|-
| 1946 || 1 || Sanford Celeryfeds
|-
| 1947 || 1 || Sanford Seminoles
|}

==Year–by–year records==
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Year !! Record !! Finish !! Manager !! Playoffs/Notes
|-
! colspan="9"|Sanford Celeryfeds (Florida State League)
|- align=center
| 1919 || 47–28 || 1st || [[Ed Chaplin]] || Won league pennant<br />'''Co-Champions'''
|- align=center
| 1920 || 45–68 || 7th || [[Jack Burns (second baseman)|Jack Burns ]] || No playoffs held
|- align=center
|
|- align=center
| 1925 || 36–87 || 4th || [[Nick Carter (baseball)|Nick Carter]] / Jim Moore|| Did not qualify
|- align=center
| 1926 || 70–35 || 1st || Lee Crowe || Won both half-seasons<br /> '''League Champions'''
|- align=center
| 1927 || 68–53 || 2nd || Lee Crowe || Did not qualify
|- align=center
| 1928 || 25–33 || 5th || Pop Wallace || League disbanded July 4
|- align=center
! colspan="9"|Sanford Lookouts (Florida State League)
|- align=center
| 1936 || 56–62 || 5th || Stuffy McCrone (18–30) / [[Bill Rodgers (infielder)|Bill Rodgers]] (38–32) || Did not Qualify
|- align=center
| 1937 || 79–60 || 2nd || [[Bill Rodgers (infielder)|Bill Rodgers]] (30–12) / Lee Head (21–26) <br />/ [[Bill Rodgers (infielder)|Bill Rodgers]] (28–22) || Lost in finals
|- align=center
| 1938 || 53-87 || 8th || [[Guy Lacy]] / [[Bill Rodgers (infielder)|Bill Rodgers]] || Did not qualify
|- align=center
| 1939 || 98–35 || 1st || [[Dale Alexander]] || Won league pennant<br />'''League Champions'''
|- align=center
! colspan="9"|Sanford Seminoles (Florida State League)
|- align=center
| 1940 || 84–55 || 2nd || Len Campbell || Lost in finals
|- align=center
| 1941 || 20–45 || NA || [[Joe Justice]] /Joe Whitlock <br />/ Charles Girk || Team disbanded June 25
|- align=center
|
|- align=center
! colspan="9"|Sanford Celeryfeds (Florida State League)
|- align=center
| 1946 || 81–57 || 2nd || [[Ed Levy]] || Lost in finals
|- align=center
! colspan="9"|Sanford Seminoles (Florida State League)
|- align=center
| 1947 || 69–66 || 5th || B.D. Lake (22–28) / Don Murray (23–23) <br />/ John Krider (24–15) || Did not qualify
|- align=center
|}

==Notable alumni==
{{Div col|colwidth=25em}}
*[[Early Wynn]] (1937) Inducted, [[Baseball Hall of Fame]] 1972
*[[Dale Alexander]] (1939) 1932 AL Batting Title
*[[Horace Allen (baseball)|Horace Allen]] (1927)
*[[Jack Burns (second baseman)|Jack Burns]] (1920, MGR)
*[[Ben Cantwell]] (1926)
*[[Nick Carter (baseball)|Nick Carter]] (1925, MGR)
*[[Ed Chaplin]] (1919, MGR)
*[[Ellis Clary]] (1937)
*[[Vance Dinges]] (1938)
*[[Jim Hayes (baseball)|Jim Hayes]] (1940)
*[[Sammy Holbrook]] (1937)
*[[Sid Hudson]] (1938–1939) 2x MLB All-Star
*[[Joe Justice]] (1940)
*[[Mike Kelly (pitcher)|Mike Kelly]] (1925)
*[[Wes Kingdon]] (1937)
*[[Guy Lacy]] (1938, MGR)
*[[Hillis Layne]] (1936)
*[[Ed Levy]] (1946, MGR)
*[[Mickey Livingston]] (1937)
*[[Red Lutz]] (1920)
*[[Bob Prichard]] (1937)
*[[Johnny Riddle]] (1927)
*[[Red Roberts]] (1940)
*[[Bill Rodgers (infielder)|Bill Rodgers]] (1936–1938, MGR)
*[[Stuffy Stewart]] (1919)
*[[Gil Torres (baseball)|Gil Torres]] (1936)
*[[Johnny Walker (baseball)|Johnny Walker]] (1921)
*[[John Wilson (1920s pitcher)|John Wilson]] (1926)

{{Div col end}}
*[[:Category:Sanford Celeryfeds players|Sanford Celeryfeds players]]
*[[:Category:Sanford Seminoles players|Sanford Seminoles players]]
*[[:Category:Sanford Lookouts players|Sanford Lookouts players]]

==References==
{{reflist}}
{{Florida State League}}
==External links==
*[https://aws.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?city=Sanford&state=FL&country=US Sanford - Baseball Reference]
*[https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/items/show/2027 Historic Sanford Memorial Stadium - 2011 photos]

==See also==
*[[List of Florida State League champions]]
*[[Florida State League Hall of Fame]]



[[Category:Defunct baseball teams in Florida]]
[[Category:Defunct baseball teams in Florida]]

Revision as of 04:17, 8 June 2024

Sanford Celeryfeds
Minor league affiliations
ClassClass D (1919–1920, 1925–1928, 1936–1941, 1946–1947)
LeagueFlorida State League (1919–1920, 1925–1928, 1936–1941, 1946–1947)
Major league affiliations
TeamWashington Senators (1936–1939)
Minor league titles
League titles (3)
  • 1919
  • 1926
  • 1939
Conference titles (2)
  • 1919
  • 1926
Wild card berths (3)
  • 1937
  • 1940
  • 1946
Team data
NameSanford Celeryfeds (1919–1920, 1925–1928)
Sanford Lookouts (1936–1939)
Sanford Seminoles (1940–1941)
Sanford Celeryfeds (1946)
Sanford Seminoles (1947)
BallparkMemorial Stadium (1919–1920, 1925–1928, 1936–1941, 1946–1947)

Sanford Celeryfeds were a minor league baseball team that played between 1919 and 1946. The "Celeryfeds" were a charter member of the Class D Florida State League and Sandford continued play in the league exclusively, winning league championships in 1919, 1926 and 1939. From 1936 to 1939, the Sanford "Lookouts" played as a minor league affiliate of the Washington Senators. With Sanford located within Seminole County, Florida, the team was also known as the corresponding Sanford "Seminoles" for three seasons. The "Celeryfeds" nickname was corresponds with the local celery agriculture industry in the era.

In the era, Sanford teams hosted home Florida State League games at Memorial Stadium. The ballpark is still in use today, known as "Historic Sanford Memorial Stadium."

At the age of 17, Baseball Hall of Fame member Early Wynn played for the 1937 Sanford Lookouts in his first professional season.

The 1939 Sanford Lookouts team was listed as one of the 100 greatest minor league teams of all time.

The 1948 Sanford Giants continued Sanford's tenure as members of the Florida State League. The nickname change occurred after the New York Giants moved their spring training site to Sanford and the local franchise became a minor league affiliate of the Giants.

History

1919 & 1920: Celeryfeds begin minor league play / champions

The Sanford Base Ball Association hosted baseball games as early as 1908.[1]

Minor league baseball began in Sanford, Florida in 1919, when the Sanford "Celeryfeds" became a charter member of the six team Class D level Florida State League.[2][3] Sanford joined the Bartow Polkers, Bradenton Growers, Lakeland Highlanders, Orlando Caps and Tampa Smokers as charter members.[4]

(1912) Postcard, Celery Growing. Sanford, Forida.

The Sanford "Celeryfeds", in corresponds with agriculture in the region in the era. celery was the dominant crop.[5] [6]

Playing the first Florida State League season in 1919, the Sanford Celeryfeds won the overall league pennant and had a controversial playoff series. In a split season schedule, Sanford won the first half pennant and Orlando won the second half pennant in the regular season. The Celeryfeds overall record of 47–28 was the best in the league, as the team played the season under manager Ed Chaplin, who became a Sanford resident, passing away in the city at age 84 in 1978.[7] In winning the league pennant Sanford finished the regular season 5.0 games ahead of Orlando in the overall standings. [8][9][2] The finals champion was to be the first team to win 5 games. In the playoff final, Sanford won 5 games and the Orlando Caps 3 games. On October 11, 1919, 2 of the Sanford wins were disallowed due to ineligible player violations. The series was declared 3 games to 3 tie and the teams were declared co-champions.[2][10] Stuffy Stewart of Sanford led the Florida State League with 63 runs scored.[2]

The 1920 Florida State League expanded to eight teams and the Celeryfeds continued league play, finishing near the bottom of the standings of the Class D level league.[11] The Bartow Polkers, Bradenton Growers, Daytona Beach Islanders and Orlando Caps joined the four returning teams in beginning the league schedule on May 1, 1920.[12] The defending co-champion Celeryfeds ended the 1920 with a final record of 45–68. Sanford finished in seventh place, playing the season under manager Jack Burns and ended the regular season 42.0 games behind the first place Tampa Smokers. Playoffs were not held, as Tampa won both half seasons of the league schedule.[13][2] The Florida State League did not return to play in 1921 and remained defunct for the next three seasons before reforming in 1925.[2]

1925 to 1928: Florida State League reforms

Sanford returned to the four-team Class D level Florida State League.in 1925.[14] The Lakeland Highlanders, St. Petersburg Saints and Tampa Smokers teams joined with Sanford in beginning league play on April 13, 1925.[15]

The Sanford Celeryfeds ended the 1925 Florida State League season in last place.[16] Sanford had final record of 36–87 and finished in fourth place. Playing the season under managers Nick Carter and Jim Moore, Sanford finished 35.0 games behind first place Tampa in the overall standings. Lakeland won the first half of the split season schedule and Tampa won the second half. Tampa won the playoff series to claim the championship.[17][2]

In the midst of their last place finish in the Florida State League, the Sanford franchise was nearly sold and relocated during the 1925 season. On July 10, 1925, businessman John Wall Hendry publicly announced that he had purchased the Sanford Celeryfeds and intended to move the team to Fort Myers, Florida.[18] However, the next day, Charley Britt, owner of the Sanford Celeryfeds, cancelled the verbal agreement to sell the team after $5,000 was raised to keep the team in Sanford.[19] Moving on from the Sanford purchase, Hendry next offered to purchase the Lakeland Highlanders, for $7,000, but an agreement with Clare Henley, president of the Lakeland franchise never materialized.[20] Eventually, Hendry was successful in getting an expansion team in the Fort Myers for the 1926 Florida State League season, when the Fort Myers Palms joined the league.[21][22]

The Stanford Celeryfeds continued Florida State League play in 1926 and were league champions of the expanded eight-team league.[23] The Celeryfeds had a record of 70–35 and ended the season in the overall first place, winning the championship under manager Lee Crowe. the Celeryfeds finished 3.5 games ahead of second place Tampa. No playoffs were held as Sanford won both halves of the season schedule.[24][2] Sanford's Otto Dumas won the Florida State League batting championship, hitting 361, while also hitting a co-league leading 4 home runs. Teammate Ralph Dunbar scored a league leading 95 runs. Pitcher Ben Cantwell of Sanford won 24 games (with just 4 losses) to lead the Florida State League.[2] Cantwell had a ten-year major-league career. While pitching for Sanford he met LeClaire Jones, whom he married in March 1927. After winning 25 games for the 1927 Jacksonville Tars of the Class B level Southeastern League, Cantwell made his major league debut with the New York Giants on August 19, 1927.[25]

Following the 1926 season, Sanford hosted the Florida State League winter meetings and franchise movements took place. On January 18, 1927, at the winter meeting, the Fort Myers franchise was voted to have been "forfeited."[26] The franchise was dissolved for "failing to meet league assessments and for failing to pay players."[27] Later, the Miami Hustlers joined the Florida State League after by W. B. Kirby, the former president of the Bradenton Growers turned the Bradenton franchise over to Miami as part of his investment in the Miami franchise.[28]

In defending their championship the previous season, the 1927 Sanford Celeryfeds finished in second place in the overall standings but did not qualify for the playoffs.[29] The Celeryfeds ended the season with an overall record of 68–53, finishing 2.5 games behind first place Orlando as Lee Crowe returned as manager. The Orlando Colts won the first half of the season schedule and the Miami Hustlers won the second half, as Orlando took the championship series.[30][2] Cecil Frisbie of Sanford led the Florida State League with both 78 runs and 145 hits. Celeryfeds' pitcher Herman Myers had a 13-4 record to top the league in winning percentage.[2]

Following the 1927 season, Sanford manager left the team to become the manager of the newly formed Miami Hustlers for the 1928 season.[31]

The 1928 six-team Class D level Florida State League had a shortened season with Sanford continuing play.[32][33] The Florida State League folded on July 4, 1928. The Celeryfeds had compiled a of 25–33 and were in fifth place when the league folded. Sanford finished 12.0 games behind first place St. Petersburg Saints.[2] Sanford was managed by Pop Wallace.[34][2] The Florida State league did not play in the 1929 season and had a seven-season hiatus during The Great Depression before reforming in 1936.[2]

1936 to 1939 Sanford Lookouts championship

In 1936, the Sanford Lookouts rejoined the six-team reformed Florida State League.[2][35] The Daytona Beach Islanders, DeLand Reds, Gainesville G-Men, Palatka Azaleas and St. Augustine Saints teams joined Sanford in beginning league play in the Class D level league.[36]

Playing as a minor league affiliate of the Washington Senators, Sanford ended the 1936 Florida State League regular season in fifth place.[37] The Lookouts finished with a record of 56–62, managed by Stuffy McCrone (18–30) and Bill Rodgers (38–32). Rogers managed the Lookouts in the first of his four consecutive seasons.[38] Sanford ended the Florida State League regular season 8.0 games behind the first place Gainesville G-Men in the final standings. Sanford did not qualify for the four0team playoffs, which were won by the St. Augustine Saints.[39][2]

Bill Rodgers would manage Sanford in each of the next three seasons. Following his major league playing career Rodgers served also was a player/manager in the minor leagues during 22 seasons between 1918 and 1951.[40][41] Rodgers also managed the Peoria Redwings of the newly formed All-American Girls Professional Baseball League during the 1946 season.[42] Rodgers had the nickname "Rawmeat Bill," as he faithfully followed a diet that included eating uncooked meat.[43][44]

The Lookouts placed second in the 1937 Florida State League and advanced to the playoff finals, as the league expanded to become an eight-team league. The Lookouts ended the regular seasons with a record of 79–60 under returning manager Bill Rodgers (30–12), Lee Head (21–26) and the returning Rodgers (28–22).[45] Manager Bill Rodgers left the team for a period and managed at both Charlotte and Chattanooga before returning to Sanford.[46] Sanford ended the regular season 6.5 games behind the first place Gainesville G-Men in the final standings. Sanford qualified for the playoffs and won their first round series 3 games to 2, defeating the DeLand Reds. The Lookouts lost in the finals 4 games to 2 to the Gainesville G-Men.[47][2] Ellis Clary of Sanford led the Florida State League with 122 runs scored.[2]

(1953) Baseball Hall of Fame member Early Wynn, Cleveland. At age 17, Wynn pitched for Sanford in 1937.

At age 17, future Baseball Hall of Fame member Early Wynn played as a member 1937 Sanford Lookouts in his first professional season.[48] In the spring of 1937, Wynn traveled from his home in Hartford, Alabama to Sanford, Florida, to attend a baseball camp operated by the Washington Senators. It was said that the 6'0" 200-pound Wynn arrived at the camp wearing coveralls. Clyde Milan, a Washington scout, saw Wynn’s fastball and signed immediately him to a contract. Wynn subsequently dropped out of high school and began his professional career in 1937 with Sanford.[49][50] He compiled a record of 16–11 with a 3.41 ERA pitching for Sanford in the 1937 season. Wynn would go on to win 300 games in the major leagues and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972.[51] He is also a member of the Florida State League Hall of Fame.[52]

The 1938 Sanford Lookouts finished in last place in the final standings of the eight-team Class D level Florida State League.[53] The Lookouts ended the regular season with a record of 53-87 and finished in eighth place under manager Guy Lacy and the returning Bill Rodgers. Sanford ended the regular season 34.5 games behind the first place Leesburg Gondoliers. With their last place finish Sanford did not qualify for the playoffs won by the Gainesville G-Men.[54][2]

In February 1939, 36-year-old Dale Alexander, was hired to become the player-manager for the Sanford Lookouts in the Florida State League.[55] In 1932, while playing for the Boston Red Sox, Alexander won the American League batting championship, hitting .367 and winning the title over Baseball Hall of Fame member Jimmie Foxx (.364) of the Philadelphia Athletics.[56] For his efforts in winning the batting title, Boston raised his salary from $10,500 to $11,000. In 1938, Alexander played for the Chattanooga Lookouts in the Southern Association. He was traded by Chattanooga to the Dallas Steers but refused to report to Dallas and temporarily retired before accepting the player-manager position with Sanford.[57]

The Sanford Lookouts went from last place to a championship in winning the 1939 Florida State League title.[58] Sanford ended the regular season with a record of 98–35, finishing in first place. Playing the season under player/manager Dale Alexander, the Lookouts finished 12.0 games ahead of the second place Daytona Beach Islanders in the regular season standings. In the four-team playoffs, Sanford defeated the DeLand Red Hats 3 games to 2 in the first round to advance. In the finals, Sanford then defeated Daytona Beach 4 games to 3 to win the 1939 Florida State League championship.[59][2] Player/manager Dale Alexander appeared in 98 games as a player and hit .345 with 80 RBIs and 14 stolen bases.[60] Sanford pitcher Sid Hudson had a pitching triple crown in the Florida State League. Hudson won 24 games with 192 strikeouts and a 1.79 to lead the Florida State League in all three categories.[2]

The 1939 Sanford Lookouts were recognized in 2001 as one of the 100 greatest minor league teams of all time.[61]

Following his impressive season with Sanford in 1939, Sid Hudson became a two-time all-star pitcher in the major leagues. Following his playing career, he first became a scout. Then Hudson was hired to become the pitching coach of the Washington Senators, serving in that role from 1961 to 1971 with Washington. When the Senators team moved to become the Texas Rangers in 1972, manager Ted Williams retained Hudson to serve as the team's pitching coach. Hudson remained with the Texas Rangers organization until his retirement 1986.[62]

1940 to 1947 War interrupted Florida State League seasons

The Sanford franchise was renamed as the "Seminoles" and the team defended their championship in the 1940 Florida State League, advancing to the league finals. Washington did not carry over their affiliation and the Seminoles were unaffiliated with a major league franchise.[63] Sanford is the county seat of Seminole County, Florida.[64]

On Friday, August 20, 1940, Sanford hosted the Florida State League All-Star Game at Municipal Stadium. The game was scheduled to start at 8:00 P.M. and featured the Sanford Seminoles team facing the All-Star selections from teams throughout the league.[65] A reserved seat for the contest was $0.50.[66]

Sanford ended the 1940 eight-team Florida State Leage regular season in second place in the Class D level league.[67] The Seminoles finished with a record of 84–55, playing the season under manager Lynn Campbell. The Seminoles ended the season 2.0 games behind the pennant winning Daytona Beach Islanders. In the first round of the playoffs, Sanford defeated St. Augustine 3 games to 0 to advance. Sanford then lost in the league Finals being swept in 4 games by the Orlando Senators.[68][2] Sanford's Ralph Hyder led the Florida State League with both 126 runs scored and 196 total hits.[2]

The Sanford Seminoles folded before the conclusion of the 1941 Florida State League season after the league began the season with eight teams.[69] The Seminoles disbanded on June 25, 1941, with a final record of 20–45, playing under managers Joe Justice, Joe Whitlock and Charles Girk.[70]

After the 1941 season, the Florida State League stopped play due to the onset of World War II.[2]

In 1945, the football team at Seminole High School based in Sanford were known as the "Celery Feds" and the school's student newspaper at the time was The Celery Fed.[71]

The Sanford "Celeryfeds" nickname returned, and the team resumed Florida State League play in 1946. Following the conclusion of World War II, the Florida State League reformed as an eight-team Class D level league.[72][2] The Daytona Beach Islanders, DeLand Red Hats, Gainesville G-Men, Leesburg Anglers, Orlando Senators, Palatka Azaleas and St. Augustine Saints teams joined Sanford in beginning league play on April 16, 1946.[73]

In returning to play in the reformed league, Sanford ended the 1946 season in second place in the Florida State League regular season standings.[74] The Celeryfeds had a final record of 81–57, playing under manager Ed Levy and finished 13.0 games behind the first place Orlando Senators in the final regular season standings. Qualifying for the playoffs, Sanford lost in the League finals. the Celeryfeds defeated the St. Augustine Saints in the first round of the playoffs 4 games to 3. Sanford then lost to Orlando in a 7-game series in the finals.[75][2]

In 1947, the team became known again as the Sanford "Seminoles" continuing play as members of the Class D level Florida State League and ending the season in second place.[76][77] In 1947, Sanford was represented by John Krider on the Florida State League board of Directors. Arthur Beckwith served as the Official Scorer for games at Sanford.[78] The Seminoles ended the season with a record of 69–66, to finish in fifth place, playing the season under managers B.D. Lake (22–28), Don Murray (23–23) and John Krider (24–15). Sanford finished 15.5 games behind the first place St. Augustine Saints in the regular season standings and just 0.5 game behind the fourth place Orlando Senators for the final playoff spot. With their fifth-place finish, Sanford did not qualify for the four-team playoffs, won by the Gainesville G-Men over St. Augustine in the final.[79][2]

1947: New York Giants partnership with Sanford

Beginning on October 7, 1947, the major league New York Giants had partnered with Sanford, Florida to develop a 10-field complex to host the Giants' Spring Training site. The ballfields were located between Mellonville Avenue and Summerlin Avenue, bordered by 26th Street and 28th Street. 30 acres were utilized along the south end of 28th street containing six of the ballfields.[80] The New York Giants also became owners of the Mayfair Inn hotel and the Mayfair Country Club golf course in Sanford.[81][82] In 1934, local businessman William E. Kirchhoff leased the hotel site and the refurbished hotel reopened in 1935 at the Mayfair Hotel, after opening in 1916 known as the Forrest Lake Hotel. The Mayfair Inn developed a reputation as one of finest hotels in the region in the era. In 1948, William Kirchhoff sold the hotel to Horace Stoneham, the owner of the New York Giants.[83]

In 1948, the Sanford Florida State League franchise became a minor league affiliate of the New York Giants. The renamed Sanford Giants then continued Sanford's tenure of membership the Florida State League.[2][84]

The ballpark

Sanford hosted home games at Memorial Stadium.[85] The ballpark site also contained Sanford Athletic Field and the two ballparks were side by side.[86] The ballpark is still in use today, known as "Historic Sanford Memorial Stadium." The ballpark is located at Mellonville Avenue & East 11th Street in Sanford, Florida.[87]

Timeline

Year(s) # Yrs. Team Level League Affiliate Ballpark
1919–1920 2 Sanford Celeryfeds Class D Florida State League None Memorial Stadium
1925–1928 4
1936–1939 4 Sanford Lookouts Washington Senators
1940–1941 2 Sanford Seminoles None
1946 1 Sanford Celeryfeds
1947 1 Sanford Seminoles

Year–by–year records

Year Record Finish Manager Playoffs/Notes
Sanford Celeryfeds (Florida State League)
1919 47–28 1st Ed Chaplin Won league pennant
Co-Champions
1920 45–68 7th Jack Burns No playoffs held
1925 36–87 4th Nick Carter / Jim Moore Did not qualify
1926 70–35 1st Lee Crowe Won both half-seasons
League Champions
1927 68–53 2nd Lee Crowe Did not qualify
1928 25–33 5th Pop Wallace League disbanded July 4
Sanford Lookouts (Florida State League)
1936 56–62 5th Stuffy McCrone (18–30) / Bill Rodgers (38–32) Did not Qualify
1937 79–60 2nd Bill Rodgers (30–12) / Lee Head (21–26)
/ Bill Rodgers (28–22)		 Lost in finals
1938 53-87 8th Guy Lacy / Bill Rodgers Did not qualify
1939 98–35 1st Dale Alexander Won league pennant
League Champions
Sanford Seminoles (Florida State League)
1940 84–55 2nd Len Campbell Lost in finals
1941 20–45 NA Joe Justice /Joe Whitlock
/ Charles Girk		 Team disbanded June 25
Sanford Celeryfeds (Florida State League)
1946 81–57 2nd Ed Levy Lost in finals
Sanford Seminoles (Florida State League)
1947 69–66 5th B.D. Lake (22–28) / Don Murray (23–23)
/ John Krider (24–15)		 Did not qualify

Notable alumni

References

  1. ^ https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/items/show/439
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab Johnson, Lloyd; Wolff, Miles, eds. (2007). The Encyclopedia of Minor League Baseball (Third ed.). Baseball America. ISBN 978-1932391176.
  3. ^ https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/sports/2021/07/23/fsls-beginning-there-were-6-teams-daytona-baseball-history-sanford-celeryfeds-tortugas-islanders/8029347002/
  4. ^ https://aws.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=30f92537
  5. ^ "Citrus to Celery". Historic Markers Across Florida. Latitude 34 North. Retrieved 2014-08-07.
  6. ^ "Sanford, Florida Minor League Baseball". Retrieved 2014-08-07.
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  18. ^ "League Club for Fort Myers", Fort Myers Tropical News, (Fort Myers, FL), July 10, 1925, https://newspapers.uflib.ufl.edu/AA00088916/00091/images
  19. ^ Hendry to Fight to get Baseball for Fort Myers", Fort Myers Tropical News, (Fort Myers, FL), July 12, 1925, https://newspapers.uflib.ufl.edu/AA00088916/00093/images/0
  20. ^ "John Hendry Loses Another Chance to Get League Team", Fort Myers Tropical News, (Fort Myers, FL), August 2, 1925, https://newspapers.uflib.ufl.edu/AA00088916/00111/images/0
  21. ^ Maginnis, Bob, "Florida State League Increased to Eight-Club Circuit", Tampa Morning Tribune, (Tampa, FL), March 4, 1926, P. 2-C.
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  26. ^ Tribune News Service, "Shake-Up Looms in State League Ranks", Tamps Morning Tribune, (Tampa, FL), January 19, 1927, P. 14.
  27. ^ "Miami and West Palm Beach Seek State League Places", Fort Myers Tropical News, (Fort Myers, FL), January 19, 1927, P. 3.
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  37. ^ https://aws.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?id=4d6fb127
  38. ^ https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/bill-rodgers-2/
  39. ^ https://aws.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=d83325c1
  40. ^ https://www.baseball-reference.com/r/rodgebi01.shtml
  41. ^ http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/R/Prodgb103.htm
  42. ^ https://aagpbl.org/teams/peoria-redwings/1946
  43. ^ https://www.aagpbl.org/profiles/wilbur-rodgers-bill/758
  44. ^ https://psmag.com/social-justice/rawmeat-bill-young-lurch-and-the-nicknames-we-remember
  45. ^ https://aws.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?id=5d8c6110
  46. ^ https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/bill-rodgers-2/
  47. ^ https://aws.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=597248da
  48. ^ https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wynnea01.shtml
  49. ^ https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=wynn--001ear
  50. ^ https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/early-wynn/
  51. ^ https://baseballhall.org/hall-of-famers/wynn-early
  52. ^ https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/early-wynn/
  53. ^ https://aws.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?id=4dcaf42a
  54. ^ https://aws.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=ba025c7b
  55. ^ "Dale Alexander Manager". The News-Herald. February 25, 1939. p. 2 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  56. ^ https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1932-standard-batting.shtml
  57. ^ https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/dale-alexander/
  58. ^ https://aws.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?id=b7eb97c2
  59. ^ https://aws.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=51cd16c3
  60. ^ https://aws.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?id=b7eb97c2
  61. ^ "Top 100 Teams". MiLB.com. 2001. Retrieved May 9, 2017.
  62. ^ https://sabr.org/journal/article/sid-hudson/
  63. ^ https://aws.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?id=f1073dc0
  64. ^ https://www.seminolecountyfl.gov/
  65. ^ https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/items/show/436
  66. ^ https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/items/show/432
  67. ^ https://aws.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?id=f1073dc0
  68. ^ https://aws.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=ad5f1bdd
  69. ^ https://aws.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?id=a5445c9b
  70. ^ https://aws.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=57d8466d
  71. ^ https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/items/show/1563
  72. ^ https://aws.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=f76b7f3a
  73. ^ https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/l-FLOR/y-1946
  74. ^ https://aws.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?id=3aaef941
  75. ^ https://aws.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=f76b7f3a
  76. ^ https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/items/show/435
  77. ^ https://aws.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?id=8e75b99c
  78. ^ https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/items/show/435
  79. ^ https://aws.baseball-reference.com/register/league.cgi?id=bcae6387
  80. ^ https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/35fc9b050fa97e7f03bc3854d4ad2844.jpg
  81. ^ https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/items/show/430
  82. ^ https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/items/show/489
  83. ^ https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/items/show/489
  84. ^ https://aws.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?id=4f2fe454
  85. ^ https://www.statscrew.com/venues/v-2451
  86. ^ https://www.statscrew.com/venues/v-2451
  87. ^ https://deadballbaseball.com/2020/05/sanford-field-historic-sanford-memorial-stadium-and-sanford-museum/

See also

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